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Browns Odell Beckham: NFL should cancel season, players ‘not seen as human’

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the start of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the start of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns WR Odell Beckham says the NFL should cancel the season

Odell Beckham, Jr. had some harsh words for the NFL as the 2020 season approaches.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver opened up about his feelings about the NFL trying to start their season amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Beckham spoke with Lane Florsheim of the WSJ Magazine and said that the league shouldn’t be starting right now, saying that it’s not exactly safe and that it doesn’t make sense for the owners to be pushing the season out full-force.

"“Obviously with everything that’s going on, it doesn’t make sense why we’re trying to do this.”"

From there, Beckham explained the difference between the NBA being able to finish their season and the NFL starting theirs. The comparisons are clearly different as there’s not as much contact in the NBA and the rosters are much smaller.

And in the end, he thinks NFL owners are simply trying to make their money and see the players as possessions, rather than humans.

"“It’s obviously for their money. And that bothers me because there’s always been this—and I hate saying it like that—but the owners’ [attitude is], ‘Oh we own you guys,’ and just kind of that unfairness going on that they don’t see us as human.”"

Beckham probably isn’t alone in this sentiment but not all players would feel as comfortable speaking their mind. Beckham, on the other hand, has always been free with speaking his mind and he’s not only secure enough in himself to speak out, but he also has the pull to be heard.

As for the Browns, they have the ability to make sure they do get their voices heard as starting center J.C. Tretter is the president of the NFLPA. The players association has been in lengthy negotiations with the league as they try to come to an agreement on how to have the season take place but remain safe.

Beckham making his voice heard could also have a ripple effect as players will surely join him in support. The NCAA is already seeing players step up and voice their concerns — most notably when the PAC-12 spoke out via The Player’s Tribune.

Next. First look at Jarvis Landry in new Browns jersey. dark

It’s a tough situation for everyone in this country and no one knows the right answers. It’s hard to be critical of Beckham for saying how he feels and while it would be tough for fans to miss out on football this season, the issues he’s addressing are much more important than a game.

UPDATE: The interview Odell Beckham gave was apparently from before he saw team facilities and he has no plans to opt-out after seeing how the team is keeping their players safe.

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